As we approach a brand new decade, we are becoming aware of the new 2020 driving laws that will come into practice next year. As a new driver, you must be aware of these rules and your driving instructor will be sure to brief you on this during your driving lessons.
However, it is important that everyone has a strong knowledge of these new rules to avoid fines, points on your licence or even having your license revoked.
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Let’s look at some of the UK’s new regulations:
Mobile Phones
It may seem as if the law of using your phone has been around for many years, but the law will be tweaked by summer 2020 and this is how. If you are caught using and talking on your mobile phone, you will be £200 on the spot.
However, this fine is only issued if you are physically caught texting or trying to make some form of communication. Having your phone in your hand, checking social media accounts or emails would not be considered dangerous and you would not be fined, but in 2020, this rule will change.
If you are holding your phone or seen using your phone in any way, you will be fined and penalised immediately.
This is to minimise mobile phone-related car accidents which are becoming more frequent in today’s society. Looking at your phone in any capacity can blind you to the road ahead.
Parking & Parking Fines
Next year, the British Standards Institution will begin to create a compulsory code of practice to allow people a ten-minute window, after their parking ticket has run out.
This means that any minor hold-ups will be taken into account and this will mean that any private parking and sectors will run inline with councils.
Their grace periods were introduced in 2015, now in 2020 this will apply in more widespread areas.
This will cut down on rogue parking firms who are issuing tickets in unfair circumstances; it will be a positive step towards traffic and parking maintenance so just be aware of where you’re parking and of this new rule.
Diesel Ban Within UK Cities
Due to the increasing awareness of sustainability and the problems with global warming, we are becoming more conscious in our emissions.
Diesel is one of the worst types of engines for emissions and may car makers will be trying to lower pollution and this will soon be spreading to the cities and the councils. Firstly it will be Bristol leading the way and will completely ban all diesel cars which will aim to improve air quality.
This will also be an important step for those who suffer respiratory issues. It will be known as a ‘clear air zone’ in the city centre, and from 7am to 3pm, diesel cars will be banned from entering.
It is believed other cities will soon follow suit in the next decade, so please be aware for 2020 if you still drive a diesel car.
Drink Driving
Any convicted drink drivers will be expected to keep breathalysers in their cars all the time. This is a set to come into force in 2022 and onwards, but the law, set by the EU will still go ahead, despite Britain leaving the EU. this is because this legislation was passed by the VCA and must adhere to this law.
Pavement Parking
This may be seen as annoying to some pedestrians, especially on busier roads or people with pushchairs, disabled people or elderly people, but now it seems that next decade, this will be a criminal offense.
In London this has been a law since 1974 but the law will be widespread throughout the UK and from 2021 onwards, this will be illegal.
If this is something you must do on your street, you must look at your parking options to avoid any penalties or complaints from people.
No Need For Speed!
If you are a speedy driver, then this dangerous habit will be abolished entirely by a new Intelligent Speed Assistance feature, which will be installed into all new cars from 2022 onwards.
It will monitor speeds, reduce fuel flow and will be able to see if you’re breaking the limits and law.
It is vital to stick to speed limits to avoid danger, but this is already something you should already be aware of from your driving instructor when learning to drive.
This is also a law implemented by the EU which will still go ahead despite the UK leaving the EU.
